A better-than-average "gay-themed" film, "Mambo Italiano" is one of the better movies that have come out in the last 10 years to explore gay issues in a comedic, lighthearted way. The plot is pretty simple: the story is about a Catholic/Italian family living in beautiful Montreal dealing with their son's recent outing as a homosexual. Although the plot plays like a comedy, the theme is serious in that we see how a religous and old-fashoned family comes to terms with their offspring's sexuality, a sexuality that is still hard for some families to come to terms with. I would suggest this film to anyone who is thinking about coming out of the closet, and I also suggest it to all families who are having a difficult time in accepting their child's homosexuality. What makes a person's gay life so hard for some parents is the fact that these parents have different opinions about a child's chosen path in life. What these parents need to do is to accept that homosexuality is not something one chooses and that in order for someone to be happy they must live their life honestly and openly even if it is against a father or mother's wishes. Mary Walsh, a popular comedian in Canada, steals the film as the mother of a gay cop. Her performance is campy, funny, and hilarious. The DVD is now, unfortunately, out-of-print, but there are a few copies available from private sellers. This is truely a forgotten film that we all should view. The movie has a special place in my DVD collection and I know you will enjoy it.
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THROW A PARTY
Added 8/31/2009
I have seen the play and movie both. I decided to throw a Mambo Italiano movie night party- everyone LOVED it. Some people were saying the movie was better the second time around. So 9 bottle of wine later- I had a house full of guests leaving and laughing while still talking about the movie.
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PUSHED ALL MY BUTTONS
Added 10/1/2008
I grew up in Connecticut amidst a myriad of Italian families and the situations portrayed here in MAMBO ITALIANO ring so very honest and authentic. This is a welcoming film, a fun film and yes the dialogue is at times profane but so is life! I chuckled repeatedly throughout the movie; isn't that what a comedy is supposed to deliver - pleasurable humor?
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As touching as it is funny..Paul Sorvino is a RIOT!"They give you a brainwash, no son of mine is a homosessuale!"
Added 4/18/2008
There is never a dull moment in this Canadian film about an Italian family living in Montreal, Quebec. To comment on the performances...just a really great cast! Paul Sorvino is perfect as the role of Angelo's dad,his accent was flawless and his movements and gestures were so natural. My favourite line was the part when the whole family incidentally finds themselves in confession at their church, none of them knowing that the other family members are present...and one by one they reveal to each other who is in the booth. When Paul Sorvino hears a female voice, and asks "Who's that?" his wife says "Thats your daugher" he replies "Anna, have you seen my 'forza italia' hat? Your mother lost it on me again". HAHAHAHAHA!!! If you come from ANY mediteranian descent, you will particularily relate to this film.Parts of it were sad, mainly the part of when Nino leaves Angelo...and Angelos face at that moment was just heartbreaking.But his character is adorable, and after all the emotional pain he endures,manages to find a really nice guy in the end.I really love this film!
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A very obvious labor of love for all involved
Added 2/4/2008
Within minutes of the start of this film, it's obvious what a labor of love that it must have been for all of the parties involved. After all, no one could do work this good without thoroughly enjoying it. And you will, too, I promise! In fact, I don't think I could name a funnier, more perfectly made movie with a gay theme in it, and I've seen them ALL, believe me.
The biggest surprise to me was how much the film could portray ethnic stereotypes so broadly, and maintain such a breakneck pace, without ever wearing out its welcome. Credit for this must go, most of all, to Paul Sorvino who plays the aggrieved father of the young man (whose Coming Out story this is) and Ginette Reno who portrays the mother. Watching the two of them together, pitching and trading their lines with such perfect, lightning fast timing was like seeing an excellent game of tennis, only with huge laughs!
My favorite scene in the whole film comes fairly late, when the parents receive, react to, and debate the best way to respond to the wedding invitation of one of the other characters. I think it was one of the funniest comic scenes I've ever seen in a movie, period--with or without gay subject matter. My very highest recommendations!
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